Chapter 12
Just as Andrew took his hand off Serena’s head, a sudden force pulled her backward.
“Mr. White? You seem to have plenty of time on your hands, flirting with the caddies, came a cold, biting voice from the side.
Serena’s eyes widened in disbelief as she turned to see Gabriel.
His dark gaze bore into her, sharp and accusatory, as if to say, ‘Gotcha!
Her heart raced as she quickly averted her gaze, hoping he wouldn’t escalate the situation in front of so many people.
Andrew, calm and composed, extended a steady hand toward her. “It’s okay, Serena. Come here.”
Compared to Gabriel’s intimidating presence, Andrew felt like a safe harbor.
If Gabriel tried anything, Serena trusted that Andrew, out of their childhood connection, would step up to protect her.
With that confidence, she didn’t even glance at Gabriel. Without hesitation, she stepped closer to Andrew’s side.
Andrew offered Gabriel a polite smile and said evenly. “Mr. Harrington, you misunderstand. Serena has been like a little sister to me since childhood. There’s no question of anything improper”
Gabriel’s face remained unreadable. He didn’t look at Serena again but instead turned his attention to Darren and the two senior Quasar executives accompanying him.
Andrew’s assistants and secretary were also present, making seven guests in total–conveniently matched by the seven caddies assigned to the group.
Gabriel’s assigned caddie, Lindsey, had just placed his golf bag on the cart when Gabriel’s voice cut through the air.
“You switch with her,” he said, nodding toward Serena.
Lindsey, a senior caddie familiar with Gabriel’s demeanor, complied without hesitation.
“Of course,” he said smoothly. Turning to Serena, he added. “You’ll be taking care of Mr. Harrington.”
Serena hesitated briefly. Lindsey had been her trainer when she first started, and she trusted him.
Also, a guest’s request was non–negotiable. Swallowing her nerves, she nodded and switched roles.
Andrew’s tone carried a faint note of protest. “Mr. Harrington, Serena-
Gabriel interrupted him smoothly. “Lindsey is a veteran here. He provides excellent service. For your first visit here it’s better to have someone seasoned. It’ll make your game more enjoyable.”
His explanation was delivered with an air of practicality, as though the switch had been made solely for Andrew’s benefit.
Andrew’s assistant nudged him discreetly, whispering, “We can’t afford to upset him. Remember, this partnership with Quasar is critical.”
Reluctantly, Andrew relented
“It’s all right, Serena,” he said gently, “Stay with Mr. Harrington. Once we’re done, I’ll take you home. And don’t think I have forgotten my earlier question.”
Mindful of Gabriel’s presence, Serena nodded lightly without responding.
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Chapter 12
The golf carts carried the group into the lush course, the orange tubes of the setting sun casting long shadows across the manicured greens.
Ahead, Darren and Andrew walked together, their conversation casual and light. It was their first meeting, and both tactfully avoided discussing business while the game was underway.
Serena followed Gabriel closely, her pink caddie uniform a bright contrast to the lush green course. Her white safety cap sat slightly askew as she hurried to keep up with his long strides.
Gabriel’s pace slowed, either because he noticed the noise from the group ahead or for reasons unknown, and he eventually stopped.
Serena glanced toward the others in the distance, then quickly retrieved the appropriate club.
Gabriel’s swing was smooth and precise, his tall frame exuding effortless grace as he struck the ball with a perfect arc.
After a crisp “twack, the ball soared through the air, landing far down the course with impressive precision.
“Nice shot. Serena complimented, clapping lightly before stepping forward to take the club from him.
But Gabriel didn’t hand it over. Instead, he held it loosely in one hand and fixed her with an icy stare.
As a caddie. Serena knew better than to forcibly take the club, so she sto
The tension lingered until Gabriel finally broke the silence.
Are you resigning, or do I need to make it happen?” he said coldly.
waiting for him to act.
Serena’s voice was steady, though her eyes flashed with defiance. You don’t need to concern yourself with my life.
Gabriel’s tone turned sharp, leaving no room for negotiation. “If someone else had paid your tuition, I wouldn’t care whether you went to school or not. But since it’s my money, you’re going.
Serena clenched her fists. “Til pay you back. Every cent.”
“With what money? His?” Gabriel asked, his tone dripping with mockery as his narrowed eyes fixed on Andrew.
The meaning behind his words was clear, and Serena bristled. “Andrew and I have known each other for years. It’s not the kind of relationship you’re implying, I would never take his money.”
She worked for the golf club now, not a night club anymore. She’d never do the filthy deal with anyone ever again.
Gabriel’s expression darkened further, his gaze turning colder as he noticed how naturally she used Andrew’s first name while still addressing him as “Mr. Harrington.”
A surge of irritation flared within him.
Without warning, Gabriel dropped the club and pulled her close, his strong arm encircling her waist.
His fingers brushed her skin lightly, sending an unexpected jolt through her.
“You spoke his name so intimately,” he said, his voice low and biting. “What else have you done with him?”
Serena froze, shocked by his audacity.
His insinuation–that she’d used Andrew the way he believed shed used him–made her blood boil.
“Nothing! There’s nothing between us!” she shouted, pushing against his chest in a futile attempt to free herself.
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Chapter 12
Gabriel, unmoved by her resistance, held her firmly.
Despite being in plain view of the group ahead, he seemed indifferent to the attention they might draw,
Compared to him, Serena’s strength was insignificant, and he hell her in place with ease.
In his seemingly cold eyes, something special sparkled.
“Serena,” he said, his voice quiet but loaded with tension. “You’d better remember this–I don’t want to find out that any man besides me has touched you.”
Her face turned crimson, a mix of anger, embarrassment, and belief coursing through her.
She glared up at him, her wide eyes filled with indignation and shame.
Gabriel held her gaze, his face impassive.
However, when he noticed the intensity of her glare, as though she wanted to drill a hole through him with her eyes, he felt an unexpected flicker of amusement,
The corner of his mouth curved into a faint smile. Without warning, he raised his hand and flicked her lightly on the forehead.
“Don’t give me that look,” he teased, his tone almost playful.
Serena bent down to pick up the discarded club, using the movement to compose herself
When she straightened, her expression was calm, showing none of her
her frustration.
“You have feelings for me?” she asked, her voice even and unruffled, the words cutting through the air like a knife.
Gabriel’s response was instant, his tone cold and dismissive. “What gave you that ridiculous idea? Just because I paid your Tuition?”
The indifference in his voice was sharp, like an unyielding barrier. It chilled her, leaving her feeling as though a wall had been erected between them.
Serena dropped her gaze, refusing to meet his eyes again.
Serena let out a soft sigh. “Last time I checked, a one–night stands about mutual need. I sold my first time, and you paid for it. The transaction is over. If we meet again, we’re strangers.”
She paused, her voice steady but carrying a hint of vulnerability Now that you’re interfering in my life, isn’t that crossing a line?
She knew her words sounded ungrateful, especially considering she had begged Gabriel for help that night at the Eternal Club
But she yearned for autonomy. Her life had to be her own
She and Gabriel belonged to entirely different worlds, and she couldn’t afford to indulge in illusions about their connection
She could have chosen to stay by Gabriel’s side–obey his every whim, take his money, and live a life of comfort under his protection.
But she didn’t want that
She couldn’t let the admiration she had secretly harbored for Gabriel all these years become polluted by an arrangement built on obligation and convenience.
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Chapter 12
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Serena had already lost so much; she couldn’t bear to sacrifice the small, untarnished piece of her heart that still held him in
esteem.
Gabriel stood silent, his tall figure silhouetted against the deepeng twilight. His expression was unreadable, his dark eyes concealed by the dim light.
The silence between them felt oppressive, like a weight pressing down.
Finally, Gabriel let out a bitter laugh. “You have got it right. From now on, we’re strangers.”
From that moment on, Gabriel’s demeanor toward Serena shified.
He treated her like any other caddie–accepting clubs, handing them back, and saying nothing more. He didn’t glance her way or address her directly.
Andrew tried occasionally to engage Gabriel in conversation, but Gabriel barely responded, leaving Darren to handle most of the discussion.
As the game continued, clouds gathered overhead, dark and heavy. The smell of rain hung in the humid air.
Andrew glanced at the sky. “Mr. Harrington, it looks like a storms coming. Perhaps we should head back.”
Later, at the edge of the course, Andrew stood beside his car, his hand extended toward Gabriel in a gesture of goodwill.
“Mr. Harrington, about the collaboration we discussed earlier, I hope you’ll see the efforts we have made, the sincerity.” Andrew said earnestly.
Gabriel’s expression was impassive, his voice clipped and cold. “Efforts mean nothing to me. I need results–real, tangible results–not empty words.”
He didn’t take Andrew’s hand, making it clear that the meeting had not gone well.
By the time Serena finished changing out of her uniform and stepped outside, the rain was coming down in sheets.
Pashew’s summer storms were fierce, the downpour shrouding the golf course in a dense, misty haze within moments.
As Serena walked toward the road, a pair of bright headlights swept across her.
A sleek, black Bentley cruised smoothly through the rain, its tires sending up sprays of water.
She stood under her umbrella, watching the car glide past..
For a moment, she felt as if time had rewound. Nothing had changed. She was still that stray puppy, caught in a rain.
And Gabriel? He remained the untouchable passerby–poised, distant, and utterly out of reach.
Inside the Bentley, Darren rolled down the window, glancing out at Serena through the rain.
“Mr. Harrington, Darren said, gesturing toward her, “it’s Miss Mirry. The rain’s coming down hard. Should we offer her a ride?”
He motioned for the driver to slow down, waiting for Gabriel’s response.
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Chapter 13
